As bloggers rave about “the death of rock”, artists are finding new ways to utilise technology on stage – challenging the role of the guitar as popular music’s greatest fetish. Our columnist Joe Muggs takes a closer look at the transformation of the performance in digital times – citing frontrunners like Gaslamp Killer, GoldieLocks and Flying Lotus.
The Handsome Furs is the Montreal-based indie rock project of husband and wife duo Alexei Perry and Dan Boeckner (of Wolf Parade & Atlas Strategic). The band, who describes their sound as “a juxtaposition of cold, metronomic, electronic beats” paired with “ jagged dissonant and frail, broken or breaking guitars,” are gearing up for the release of their latest album, “Sound Kapital.” The disc drops in Canada on June 27th and in the US, UK, and rest of the world on the following day.
ChinaShop sat down with Alexei Perry who discussed the concept behind the new album. Perry also talks about how music serves as her sense of euphoria and tells us how she and her husband became the unexpected stars of a CNN.com web travel series titled “Indie Asia.”
Within five minutes of Flying Lotus’ set on the Red Bull Music Academy stage at Movement on Memorial Day, it was obvious why he was closing down the stage for the weekend. Flying Lotus (born Steven Ellison) came in with a “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality. After rumors that he might be late (no one wanted to see his much anticipated set reduced), Ellison arrived like he had something to prove.
With a mission of bringing together musicians, DJs and producers from diverse musical and cultural backgrounds to exchange ideas about music and their knowledge of how life in the industry works, Red Bull Music Academy has helped emerging, innovative talent get their wings including many of the acts that were seen on the dedicated stage throughout the weekend.
Daedelus, well-known around the electronic music industry as one of today’s cornerstones of new sound graced the Red Bull Music Academy stage incorporating a deep jazz element into his Movement set proving his nickname — “mad professor” — true.
Mid-fi synth-wave, slow-motion funk. How could you read it and not want to hear it? But Com Truise does you one better — he offers up a visual accompaniment with just about everything he releases. To announce a trio of shows — first trip overseas to Sweden, his two-hour show at Movement 2011 and a set in Toronto — Com pumped out a slick graphic to let you know. He designed the artwork for his Ghostly International debut, “Galactic Melt,” due July 5. He rocks a t-shirt he designed to coincide with said release.
These, ladies and gentlemen, are the perks of being the digital art director for a global pharmaceutical firm and a budding New Jersey-based DJ whiz.
I first heard of Sonny Moore (better known as Skrillex) back when he was in a little punk rock band called From First to Last on Epitaph Records. His electro house/ dubstep inspired sound doesn’t feel very rock n roll at first blush, however his ability to mix sounds, create moods, and subvert the expected is very punk rock, even in the electro community.
Two words: Paul Oakenfold. Two more words: Florida Room. Four more words: No Ugly People Allowed. At least that’s what the sign said. I’m sure it didn’t reflect the opinions and feelings of the Delano administration, but it was an ironic reminder of just how exclusive and intimate some of Miami’s parties can be during Winter Music Conference. Tonight we were in for a special treat. One of the biggest names in dance music—a man famous for playing arenas all across the globe—was going to treat this hotel crowd to a small-scale performance with big room sound. No flip-flops and bikini bottoms allowed, and one gentleman was turned away at the door for wearing cut-off jean shorts. Go home and get your big boy pants, homeboy. This ain’t no beach party.
People-watching at the Winter Music Conference is one of the highlights of the week, and chlorinated bodies of water seem to bring out interesting behaviors. While taking in the soothing sounds of Daz-I-Kue, Alix Alvarez, Vikter Duplaix and other sun drenched DJs at the Lotus WMC 2011 Showcase, we noticed a few things happening poolside and thought we’d report back. All you people looking to hit up WMC in 2012 take note—here’s the ChinaShop guide on how to conduct yourself at a pool party. You can thank us later.
Every couple months in Los Angeles, a few thousand people have a quaint get together titled simply, “HARD“. It is here were they are entranced by the finest envoy of eclectic electro this side of the Mississippi. Well, unless HARD is on rotation in New York.
Without a doubt, Kid Koala’s latest project The Slew put on one of the liveliest and most engaging sets at the inaugural Sónar Chicago festival. In this weekend fest dominated by avant-garde electronic sound play, this international four-piece group brought a welcome alternative: an approachable onslaught of turntablism, psych rock, and no shortage of hard-hitting sonics to the modest-sized yet appreciative crowd at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.